Girls soccer has league crown in the bag

The girls soccer team still has two games remaining in league play, but after two wins this past week - and an 8-0 league record - they have the league crown in the bag. Sisters posted a 2-0 win over the Tigers at Junction City (JC) on Tuesday, October 15, and at home two days later beat the Cottage Grove (CG) Lions 5-1.

Sisters managed to record a win in Tuesday's match-up against the Tigers, but it was one of their lowest scoring games of the season. JC played relentless defense and made it a difficult game for the Outlaws.

Coach Audrey Tehan told The Nugget, "We were not able to play our game of going down the outsides. We got stuck in the center of the field and played small. Junction City's defense did a great job forcing us into the center. They did not give us an easy game, and the girls were not quite sure what to do."

The Outlaws scored their two goals back-to-back; the first at the 33-minute mark and the next just two minutes later.

Emily Corrigan got Sisters on the scoreboard. Corrigan beat the defense and took a shot that bounced off the keeper, but she was right there to follow it in for the score.

Three minutes later, Natalie Ambrose beat the defense off a through-ball from Liz Stewart and sent the ball past the keeper into the back of the net for the final goal of the contest.

Tehan noted Corrigan, Dani Rudinsky and Molly Boyle.

"Emily has become a determined forward and is in the right place at the right time," said Tehan. "Her relentless pressure is what causes many keepers and defenders to miss-kick the ball, which results in a lot of opportunities for us. I am constantly impressed with Emily's constancy and never-give-up attitude.

"Dani has been doing an amazing job playing with Emily up top as forward," added Tehan. "She is a dynamic player and (she) and Emily combined can form a lot of chaos for defense. Emily and Dani are extremely smart and are constantly thinking about their next move, which is dangerous for other teams. Molly has been holding strong for us in the center back and is one of the fastest players in the league. It is amazing to watch her sprint down the field."

Sisters had 12 shots on goal but were only able to finish two shots. The Outlaws realize they will not get that many opportunities against tougher teams and plan to work on finishing under pressure.

"The girls have not been in pressure situations for awhile, where we only get four chances during a game and the shots have to at least be on frame of the goal, if not in," said Tehan. "We will work to refocus our tactics and our technique before playoffs."

Two days later, Sisters earned their eighth win of the season in front of an enthusiastic and excited home crowd. The Outlaws' goal was to come out strong and score within the first minutes of play, and that is exactly what they did.

Ambrose scored at the two-minute mark off an assist by Corrigan. Emily made a beautiful overlapping run on the left side and crossed the ball perfectly to Natalie right in front of the goal.

Five minutes later, Corrigan scored. Dani Rudinsky took a shot that bounced off the keeper and Emily was there to finish.

Ambrose scored at the 28-minute mark to put the Outlaws on top 3-0. Natalie received the ball in the midfield, dribbled past the Lions' defense and made a great shot that went past the keeper into the lower left-hand corner of the net.

The Outlaws tacked on another goal when Liz Stewart scored on a free kick from outside the 18-yard box on a low driven shot into the right-hand corner of the goal. Sisters entered the half with a 4-0 advantage.

The Outlaws had 13 shots in the second half but were unable to find the back of the net except for one lucky goal which came in the 56th minute. Corrigan got off a solid shot which deflected off a CG player and went into the net.

After the game, Tehan received high compliments from the Cottage Grove coach.

"The CG coach told me his team did not mind losing to the Outlaws because we always won and played with dignity, which is the biggest compliment a team and coach can receive," said Tehan. "I'm extremely proud of the girls and the work they have put forward this season and the overall character they have developed on the field. They set high standards for what it means to be an Outlaw.

"The girls are all playing very well together and are finding an amazing rhythm with each other on the field," added Tehan. "Every game we get more and more dynamic, which makes it increasingly difficult for teams to defend against us.

The Outlaws wrap up league play with a game against the Huskies at Sweet Home on Wednesday, October 23.